Homemade Dog Treats Pumpkin Peanut

These homemade dog treats are my answer to keeping our pup’s tail wagging while knowing exactly what goes into each crunchy bite. Whether you have a new puppy or an old pal, making dog treats at home turns snack time into an act of love and peace of mind.

What Makes It Special

• Uses basic ingredients you already have in your pantry
• No additives or questionable preservatives
• Flexible recipe to suit most dogs’ dietary needs
• Great for involving kids in the kitchen

When I first made these, my dog hovered near the counter all afternoon. Now every time I bake a batch, he parks himself by the oven until they come out.

What You’ll Need

• Pumpkin puree: This gives treats a soft texture and is packed with fiber. Look for plain pumpkin with no added sugar
• Eggs: These help everything bind and add a little protein for energy
• Peanut butter: Choose a natural jar with no sugar substitutes like xylitol which is dangerous for dogs. Check the ingredients for safety
• Whole wheat flour: Adds structure and makes the treats hearty. You could also use all purpose if needed
• Pumpkin pie spice or cinnamon: Adds a touch of flavor that dogs love. Be sure the blend contains no nutmeg which is unsafe for pets

Let’s Cook This Together

Preheat and Prep:

Set your oven to three hundred and fifty degrees Fahrenheit and line a baking sheet with a silicone mat or parchment to prevent sticking

Mix Wet Ingredients:

In a large mixing bowl stir together the pumpkin puree eggs and peanut butter until the mixture is smooth and completely combined

Add Dry Ingredients:

Add in the flour and your chosen spice then gently stir just until a dough forms. Mixing excessively will make the treats dense

Roll the Dough:

Dust your counter with a little flour to keep things from sticking. Roll out the dough to about a quarter inch thickness using flour if things get sticky. This step is a little messy but essential for even baking

Shape and Place:

Cut out shapes using cookie cutters or just slice into small pieces. Arrange them with space between each on your prepared baking sheet

Bake to Perfection:

Bake for twenty to forty minutes watching for the level of crunch your dog prefers. Less time means softer treats more time gives you a satisfying crunch

Cool and Store:

Remove from the oven and let the treats cool on a rack. Once cooled they can be kept in an airtight container for up to a month refrigerated or for up to six months frozen

Good to Know

• Free from preservatives
• Pumpkin and peanut butter are easy on most dogs’ stomachs
• Freezes beautifully for long-term storage

One of my favorite things about this recipe is letting my pup lick the bowl clean after rolling out the dough. The whole kitchen fills with a nutty pumpkin smell and my dog’s eager face says it all.

Keeping It Fresh

Store your homemade treats in a sealed container in the refrigerator. They stay good for about a month. If you want to make a big batch freeze them in small portions and take out a handful at a time

Easy Ingredient Swaps

If your dog has a wheat allergy you can use an all-purpose gluten-free blend. Plain mashed sweet potato stands in well for pumpkin if needed. Switch up spices with a dash of turmeric for anti-inflammatory bonus just be sure to skip nutmeg every time

How to Serve It Right

These treats are best fed as small training rewards or as part of a balanced snack. Make them tiny for puppies or break larger shapes in half for little dogs. Always observe your dog the first time you offer a new treat

Behind the Dish

I started baking dog treats years ago when I was dissatisfied with the ingredient lists on store-bought options. Sharing homemade snacks became a little ritual I cherish with my furry best friend

Kitchen Wisdom

• Use natural peanut butter always check for xylitol before buying
• Rolling dough can be sticky but dusting your hands and roller handles with flour helps a lot
• If you want crunchier treats lower the oven temp after baking and let them dry inside as the oven cools

Recipe FAQs

→ Can all-purpose flour replace whole wheat flour?

Yes, you can substitute all-purpose flour for whole wheat flour if needed. Both work well in these snacks.

→ Is peanut butter safe for dogs?

As long as the peanut butter contains no xylitol, sugar substitutes, or added salt, it's safe for dogs in moderation.

→ Can I use other spices besides pumpkin pie spice?

Yes, you can use cinnamon as a substitute, but avoid nutmeg as it may be toxic to some dogs.

→ How should these treats be stored?

Store in an airtight container for up to 1 month in the fridge or freeze for up to 6 months.

→ How crunchy will the treats be?

Crunchiness depends on bake time—longer baking yields a crispier result, while shorter keeps them softer.